Secrets & Surrender 2 by L.G. Castillo Read Free Book Online Page A

of a jet liner.
    The ice was one big chunk so I hit it against the pavement, trying to break it apart. It was pretty heavy.
    “Here, let me.”
    I jumped back at the sound of Julian’s voice. His hair was wild and loose, brushing against his incredibly broad shoulders. Warm hands brushed against mine as he placed his hands over mine. Our eyes locked and, for a moment, everything was still. I couldn’t stop looking at him.
    Why couldn’t I stop?
    I stepped back. This was wrong. I scanned the park, looking for Nic.
    Damn it, Nic. Where are you?
    I rubbed my hands, trying to warm them, pretending I didn’t notice the way Julian’s biceps flexed when he smashed the ice against the ground. I ignored the way his black wifebeater clung to his body, showing off his muscled abs. And I definitely didn’t notice when he stood to face me, the wind blowing his hair, a few strands fluttering against his high cheekbones.
    “Cold?”
    Heat surged through me when he took my hands into his warm ones. I tried to tear my eyes away from his. He held me steadfast as he moved closer, stroking my fingers, blowing his hot breath onto my hands and warming my entire body. I pushed down the tingling sensation that threatened to emerge.
    Nic, where are you?
    “Please, don’t.” My voice was a whisper as I struggled to take my hands out of his.
    He leaned in, and his lips were dangerously close to mine. “Am I making you uncomfortable?”
    Yes.
    “No.”
    He chuckled. “Good, then you wouldn’t mind dancing with me.”
    There was a Spanish song playing on the radio sitting on one of the picnic tables. A few couples were dancing to the music.
    “Aren’t you tired of dancing?”
    He pulled me to him, his hips moving to the gentle beat of the song. “I could never tire of dancing with you.”
    “Well, maybe I’m tried of dancing.”
    “Maybe you’re afraid.”
    I snorted. “I’m not afraid of you.”
    “I think you are.”
    “Puhleeze.”
    “Then dance with me.”
    “No.”
    “Baila conmigo, Manuela.” His sexy voice sent chills through me. “Dance with me and prove me wrong.”
    Slowly, my feet moved against my will as my hips swayed to the Latin rhythm. He took my hand in his, holding it gently as if he was afraid I’d let go. He twirled me gently. Slowly, I spun around, the world around me passing by in a blur. Then I stopped, and his body was within inches of mine. Carefully, he placed his hands on my hips. Gazing deeply, his dark eyes searched mine as he brought me closer to him. Our bodies moved in sync to the music, his gaze never letting go of mine. With each move we made, he drew me closer until I was pressed against his chest.
    In that moment, everything and everyone around us disappeared. There was only Julian and me: the smell of him, the heat of his body, the glistening of his skin. Julian was all around me, seeping into every crevice of my mind. My hand slid up his muscled arm, tracing the tattoo of the Aztec princess that stared up at me. She looked so much like me.
    I was floating, and Julian was the air around me. Even our voices were soft and lulling, like the tinkling of the piano playing a Spanish ballad.
    “Why do you fight me, Manuela?”
    “I’m not.”
    “You are.” His hand drifted up my bare arms, caressing them. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Let me help you.”
    “I don’t know what you mean.”
    “Your family, your mother. I know.”
    “You know?”
    “Juan told me. Don’t be mad at him. He was worried. The secret was eating him up. And I understand. It happened in my family too.”
    “It did?”
    “Yes, and I know how hard it is to carry a secret like that. To always have to be careful about who your friends are, about not being free to go wherever you want. I know what it’s like having to move so that you won’t get caught. What it’s like having to lie, even to the ones you love.”
    My eyes stung with tears. I gazed into dark eyes filled with understanding. He was